Dr. E.L. Whigham Elementary School in Cutler Bay wrapped up its celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month with a festival on Oct. 30 that brought together its teachers, administrators, students and their parents and grandparents. There also was one remarkable special guest.

Elizabeth Whigham-Fletcher, the daughter of the man for whom the school was named, came to South Florida from Virginia with her husband, Bruce Fletcher, to visit the school. She participated in the day’s events and surprised the school’s staff by providing lunch for all of the teachers.

The school had been named for Dr. Whigham because he had served as the superintendent of Dade County Public Schools for many years.

Cynara Suarez, principal of Whigham, summed up the significance of the event and the added meaning given it by the presence of their guest.

“Hispanic Heritage Month gives us an opportunity to celebrate the culture of our diverse student population and community,” said Suarez. “Along with a special visit from Ms. Elizabeth Whigham-Fletcher, daughter of Dr. Edward L. Whigham, and her husband Bruce Fletcher, the day could not have been more successful.”

As part of the program a number of the students from all grade levels participated in a musical presentation with recorder flutes and singing, performing four songs. Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, many students came dressed in costumes representing their cultural backgrounds from various Latin American countries and there was a parade of them to the library.